Eminent Domain as the Cause for Primary Defeat. One Mayor Thinks So.

The mayor of West Haven, CT lost his primary race to a city council person.

Some say the surprising loss was due to a redevelopment project that utilized eminent domain.

What factors concerning the project using eminent domain were deemed harmful to the mayor’s campaign?

• Eminent Domain use for a waterfront outlet mall
• That 4 years since property was acquired, there has been no progress, beyond boarded up property
• Demolition is scheduled for after the primary

Lessons:

Schedule demolition well before a primary.

Fox 61 Connecticut | Stalled outlet mall in West Haven may have cost Mayor Ed O’Brien